Plug wires was Re: Bottom End Performance Mods

[John Hamill <jhamill@incert.com>]

I would agree totally about plug wires. I was sucked into the "8mm is
better" camp a while ago and ordered a set of New Dimensions wires. They
lasted ~15k miles before the engine started missing and skipping when it was
cold or damp out. I put the factory wires back in and all was well again. I
think the aftermarket wires are a total waste of money (I'd be hard pressed
to think of a better way to burn ~$150 other then burning it). Read the
Techtonics catalog - they have never found any aftermarket ignition product
to do anything other than take your money. The factory wires are expensive
at $30 a pop, but you don't have to replace them all at once. If one goes
bad, just replace *it*.

My formula for a torquey motor for my GLX was to replace the exhaust with
TT's 2.5", install a K&N and an AutoThority chip. The engine has wonderful
torque. I wouldn't change the cams if you want low end. I can short shift my
motor all day and it pulls great. The Schrick or VW Motorsport manifolds
were designed to enhance torque, they are definitely worth considering. The
curves for these manifolds show 20-30 extra ft-lbs in the midrange! That's a
huge improvement.

"Billy T." wrote:

> >.. I know the Shrick Manifold helps top end.
>
> The schrick manifold is all bottom end, not top.  It will help the
> bottom end out alot, though it really wont make the car too much
> faster.
>
> >Also what could I expect
> > from the mods that help bottom end?
>
> Most bottom end mods will hurt top end, and vice versa.  Engine came out
> doin pretty well.  Not too many ways to extract a lot of broad power
> from the engine, short of a turbo or SC.
>
>
> > Whats the opinion on the stock plug wires?
>
> I would have never changed mine excet that I tore a boot on one of the
> connecters which caused some arcing.  Unless you want a different color,
> the stock wires are perfect.
>
> Billy T.